TAG Holiday Message

From The Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton

Dear Members and Employees of the Utah National Guard:

Pick any Christmas from the past, and the headlines of the day will include stories of strife, heartache, contention, disappointment, anguish, uncertainty, and likely even some bad weather. But in spite of the
challenges, there are also times of incredible joy spent with family and friends as we reflect on the things that we are truly thankful for.

This is a season for rededication of our hearts, our minds and our hands. This is a season where the real news is the Good News, and the most important weather report is the one that speaks to what is inside you: a positive attitude and a hope for the future.

During this holiday season I ask that you reflect upon the relationships and positive experiences within your families and your lives. There is good in every relationship, and the holiday season is a time to mark all the good in your lives. This is a time of year to magnify four of the key pillars in the comprehensive Soldier fitness program: emotional, social, family, and spiritual. Take the time to approach everything in a positive manner, develop trusted relationships, build your families, and strengthen your set of beliefs.

As a Servicemember in the Utah National Guard, your well-being is of the utmost importance to me and the Utah National Guard leadership. It pains me when I hear of our Servicemembers' tragedies and times of sorrow, and I am excited to hear of successes and positive experiences. I want you to know that I and the leadership appreciate how you and your families contribute to the success of the Utah National Guard team.

Also remember that safety never takes a holiday. I urge all of you to take a few extra minutes to thoroughly think through your holiday plans and use sound risk management when traveling and participating in winter activities. Focus on stress management, winter driving, winter sports, responsible drinking, and preventing complacency. All of us have a responsibility to ensure a safe holiday for ourselves, our families, and our fellow Servicemembers by being alert to safety risks, both on and off-duty.

Whether you are deployed or serving here at home, your dedication and sacrifice are profoundly appreciated. Happy holidays to you and your families. Travel and celebrate with care, and remember that safety never takes a holiday.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

JEFFERSON S. BURTON
Major General
The Adjutant General

German President Honors Utah Guard Aviators in Afghanistan

Story by Heath Druzin

Orignially published in Stars and Stripes

Click here for more photos of the event (scroll down).

MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan — The president of Germany presented two American aviation units the country’s highest honor Wednesday, for their “heroic deeds” in support of German forces.

President Joachim Gauck visited this northern Afghan city to laud the aviators of task forces Ready and Pirate, who provide medical flights, close air support and transport flights throughout northern Afghanistan, where most of the 4,600 German troops in Afghanistan are based.

“On many occasions you put yourselves in harm’s way for one reason: to save the lives of German soldiers,” Gauck said during a ceremony at Camp Marmal.

Lt. Col. Greg Hartvigsen, commander of the Utah Guard's 1-211th Aviation, left, holds his unit colors
as German President Joachim Gauck, right, places his country's streamer on the Battalion flag Dec. 19.

Gauck, who also visited with German troops with his domestic partner, Daniela Schadt, and attended a ceremony at a memorial for fallen coalition soldiers, presented the American aviators with the Fahnenband, the highest German honor that can be given to a military unit. The German role in the war has been a highly contentious issue for Germans, many of whom are uncomfortable with their troops in a combat role.

Much of Task Force Ready is made up of aviators from 5th Battalion, 158th General Support Aviation Battalion, based in Katterbach, Germany, who are used to working with their German counterparts, said U.S. Army Maj. Eric Hanes, the task force’s executive officer.

“We train with German soldiers in Germany, we’ve built that relationship early, so when we’re stationed together as a coalition unit in Afghanistan, it’s seamless,” he said.

The lead unit for Task Force Pirate is the 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, from the Utah National Guard.

Northern Afghanistan has avoided much of the bloodshed of southern and eastern Afghanistan, but some formerly quiet areas have seen major attacks recently, including a suicide attack on a mosque in the capital of Faryab province at the end of October that killed more than 40 people. There have also been a number of supply trucks targeted by insurgents in the north, which includes a vital overland route used by NATO to get supplies in and out through Tajikistan.

While the bulk of the ground forces in northern Afghanistan are German, the U.S. has been providing nearly all of the air support, but with the recent delivery of the Tiger attack helicopter to the German military, the Germans may be taking on a more active aviation role. Hanes said with American troop withdrawals expected to pick up, it will be important for other coalition nations to take on more responsibility.

“The writing is on the wall that forces are drawing down, and going forward it’s going to be more critical to partner with other nations,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Robinson Promoted to Colonel

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here for photos and here for the audio of the ceremony.

DRAPER, Utah — Lieutenant Col. Adam L. Robinson, Utah Army National Guard, was promoted to colonel Dec. 17 at a ceremony at the Utah Guard’s Draper headquarters.

Robinson, of Heber, grew up in Richfield, Utah. He currently serves as full-time Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, for the Utah Army National Guard.

Prior to the pinning ceremony, Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, congratulated Robinson on this signal accomplishment and gave him his marching orders.

“Adam is a guy who cares for people, and this is what this business is all about,” Burton said to those assembled. “When we promote people, it’s not for what they’ve done; it’s for what they are going to do—so eat your Wheaties, Adam.”

Dressed in his blue Army Service Uniform, Robinson asked his wife Danette to do the honors in changing his oak-leafed, lieutenant colonel epaulets to ones one with an eagle with outstretched wings, the insignia for colonel.


Colonel Adam Robinson (left) receives his new rank insignia from his wife Danette
at his promotion ceremony Dec. 17. U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire.

In remarks following his pinning, Robinson thanked his children and extended family and paid special tribute to his wife.

“I have a bumper sticker on my car that says ‘The toughest position in the Army is the Army wife,’” he said.

Robinson also acknowledged his mentors and peers, saving his greatest professional thanks for the noncommissioned officers, first sergeants and sergeants major he served with in his career.

“I am proud to wear this uniform,” said Robinson as he concluded. “With rank comes great responsibility. I am humbled and want you to know that I will give it my all.”


Colonel Adam Robinson gives remarks at his promotion ceremony Dec. 17.
U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire.

Enlisting in Richfield-based Alpha Battery, 2-222nd Field Artillery, in 1985, Robinson achieved the rank of staff sergeant before receiving his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1995. During his career he has served in a number of leadership positions to include fire-direction officer, platoon leader, intelligence officer, operations officer, executive officer, battery commander and battalion commander.

Robinson deployed to Afghanistan in 2006-2007 with I Corps Artillery (Forward) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was also mobilized in 2002-2003 in support of Operation Noble Eagle, providing security for Deseret Chemical Depot in Tooele.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Badge.

He holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Webster University. With his wife Danette they have five children and five grandchildren.

L-3 Communications Donates to Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa Program

By Capt. Ryan Sutherland
Photos by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins

See more images here.

SALT LAKE CITY — L-3 Communication Systems-West presented an in-kind donation to the Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa program Dec. 6 at the Salt Lake Armory.

L-3 Communications employees organize donations for the the Utah Guard's Sub-for-Santa
program  at Salt Lake Armory Dec. 6. U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins.

According to Capt. Noé Vázquez, director of the Sub-for-Santa program, donations from private citizens and organizations like this will ensure a more meaningful Christmas for military families in Utah who have indicated a need for support this year. As of Dec. 5, the Utah Guard Family Support Services office projects helping about 300 children during the holiday.

The Utah Guard Sub-for-Santa program was originated in 2003 after many community members realized the sacrifices that our Utah servicemembers were performing. The intent of the community members was to give back to military families, with deployed members and who were in need. Last year, the Sub-for-Santa program assisted nearly 400 children in need. While this program specifically assists those dependents of our Utah military who might go without during a holiday season, the program does accept general gifts for the parents or family gifts.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, formally thanks L-3 Communications
employees Dec. 6  for their generous donations. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Shana Hutchins. 

Sub for Santa is dedicated to helping people who cannot help themselves. An application process verifies that the donations go to the families who need it most. Applicants are also given the tools and resources with learning opportunities to help them better manage their money, time, and talents from a Family Assistance Center.

Those wishing to make a donation to the Sub-for-Santa program can make payments online here.

Update on the 624th Engineers

Guest Blogger Captain Chris Vernon, commander of the 624th Engineer Company, deployed to Afghanistan.

Time continues to fly; I can't believe we are already into December! Our mission tempo is still very fast paced.

First Sgt. H. and I are in the process of interviewing every Soldier in the company to see from their perspective how this deployment is going. Our goal is to take what we learn from them to further mentor and develop their leaders and make changes necessary to make the second half of the deployment even better than the first half.

Here is what has been going on the last few weeks:

First Platoon. Nearly all soldiers have returned from the mission in Bagram. The remaining individuals are staying behind to work on a fence, flooring, and a list of add-ons.

One squad is currently working on a project for a portion of a FOB that will shortly be turned over to the Afghan National Army. They are starting their fourth week on that project with about one more week to go. The rest of the platoon is working on projects on our home FOB.

Second Platoon. They continue to work directly with another Engineer unit. They just completed a repair project on a FOB that was damaged by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Soon they will be working on another FOB project. Both the first sergeant and I are planning on visiting them soon.

Third Platoon. Staff Sgt. B. has assumed leadership of the platoon. I have not seen many SSGs as prepared and ready to step up as platoon sergeant as I feel he is. He has been in the position for about a week and is doing a fantastic job. It is fun to watch a motivated soldier work hard, address the issues head on, and make a significant impact for the better. I am excited to see the positive changes that will come about over the next several months because of his leadership.

The platoon has just started a project at another FOB, building a brigade headquarters. It involves the entire platoon and will take them a few weeks to complete. This should be a very fun project for them.

The first photo above is from a ceremony in which the new brigade building was dedicated. A nearby Joint Operations Center was named after Sgt. 1st Class James Thode, a Utah Guard soldier who was killed in action two years ago here in Afghanistan.

I also have included a picture of the JOC in the construction process (second photo above) and a picture of the completed room (above). The workstations are tiered just like a stadium, and the desks are all custom made by our guys. The craftsmanship was outstanding. Each desk has drawers, cubbies and a false back to hide all the wiring.

Families and Friends Make Christmas Care Packages at Vernal Armory

By Geoff Liesik
Originally broadcast on KSL Channel 5 on November 28, 2012

VERNAL — There wasn't a pointy ear to be found, but the folks sorting through mountains of goodies and packing gift boxes Tuesday night at the National Guard Armory in Vernal — and the countless donors who supplied them — were thrilled to serve as Santa's elves.

"We don't have to ask. They come to us," said Stephanie Stensgard, referring to the dozens of volunteers and donors.

Stensgard and others in the Uintah Basin began looking for a way to visibly show their support for the nation's military after the Aug. 5, 2011, death of Marine Sgt. Daniel David Gurr. The 21-year-old Vernal native was shot and killed while on foot patrol with his unit in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

"As a community, we lost one of our own," Stensgard said.

The group found their opportunity to help out when another local Marine, Lance Cpl. Logan Weaver, called home from Afghanistan in late 2011.

"He had mentioned that some of the guys he was with were getting no (care) packages," Stensgard said. "So we formed a group to send packages to the Marines ... while they were deployed, and it grew from there to other platoons."

Support America's Military — the group formed by Stensgard and Weaver's mother, Kris Weaver — soon joined forces with the Sgt. Daniel D. Gurr Foundation. So far, the two organizations have shipped more than 300 care packages to members of the armed forces deployed overseas, including one shipment so far to soldiers with the Utah National Guard's 624th Engineer Company.

"It seemed only natural that we would adopt our local Guard unit that was deploying," Stensgard said.

About 150 members of the 624th Engineers left Utah in June for training at Fort Bliss, Texas. They have since arrived in Afghanistan's Paktika province, where they'll remain for nine more months.

Marandy Massey, a family assistance specialist with the Utah National Guard whose husband is deployed with the 624th, said she knows her husband and other members of his unit look forward to receiving the boxes sent by Support America's Military and the Gurr Foundation.
  "I know he's going to love seeing the candy, for sure, and I know that they all love the energy drinks," Massey said. "They've all been asking for those.

"The most important thing is, it's a package," she said. "They don't particularly care what's in it. The fact that someone cares enough to send something to them means a lot."

Most of the items in the boxes — from the candy to the caffeine and the baby wipes to the magazines — is donated by area residents and businesses, according to Stensgard. The rest is purchased with donated funds. Even the cost of shipping is covered by community fundraisers.

"Each box costs about $13.45 to ship, so it gets pretty costly," Stensgard said, adding that Uintah High School's wrestling team donated the proceeds from its Red and White Night to cover the shipping cost for the 44 Christmas care packages that were boxed up Tuesday night.

"It's just been overwhelming," said Red Jensen, whose son is in Afghanistan with the 624th.

"For somebody that has a child that's been deployed, it's very warming to know that there's this kind of support for them when they're out there," he said.

Utah Guard Engineers Support Theater Operations in Afghanistan

By Staff Sgt. Anna Rutherford

Originally published on the Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - In the center of a forward operating base in Paktika province, Afghanistan, is a place where many pass by, but few notice. Within the confines of a gated and fenced yard, several U.S. Army engineers work diligently, day after day.

Among towering stacks of plywood and materials, a lone forklift moves deftly, neatly organizing lumber. Although the scene looks more like a “Peanuts” character with clouds of dust, the forklift looks effortless in its purpose.

“From what I’ve heard, it was just kind of chaos around here,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Jared Ruppe of the 624th Engineer Company, Utah Army National Guard, assigned to the 178th Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade. “They just started organizing right off the bat. They’re just trying to get everything to where it’s easier for us to do our job.”

U.S. Army Spc. Paul Gibbs, 624th Engineer Company, Utah Army National Guard, assigned to the
178th Engineer Battalion, 411th Engineer Brigade, winds up a ratchet strap on Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, Nov. 15, 2012. Gibbs, a Spanish Fork, Utah native, works as a carpenter in the bill of materials yard and assists with vertical construction operations within the area of operations. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Anna Rutherford, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

The bill of materials yard or “BOM yard” on Forward Operating Base Sharana, was a drastically different place in previous years, with more materials than Army engineers knew what to do with or were able to find space for. Today the yard is neatly organized with portions of the yard looking more like a heavy duty version of Home Depot or Lowe’s. With business booming, the engineers are happy to have the tidiness.

“The first three months we were taking one or two orders a week,” said Ruppe. “I want to bet we get close to 12 a week.” 

Business for the BOM yard means customers coming in with requests for building materials. This could mean items as large as stacks of plywood, to items as small as screws and nails. 

Standing tall near the entrance to the yard is a large wooden facility. Rays of light shine through the loft windows lining the wall near the roof. Inside, the floor is as immaculately swept as a sawdust-covered floor could be. Within the confines, 624th soldiers work intently and briskly inside the wooden cathedral. Few words are spoken above the whirring of power tools and the clattering thumps of lumber, but each soldier moves with ease, needing little instruction.

“This is our truss factory right here,” said Ruppe, of the immense structure. “We don’t build the trusses here, but we get the gussets ready for our platoon and they come in and build the trusses so it’s nice for them to have the gussets already prefabricated.” 

Although Ruppe is an Army school-trained plumber, he is a long-haul truck driver out of Vernal, Utah. Ruppe believes that his civilian experience serves as an asset to his duties in the BOM yard.

“I like doing this (job at) the BOM yard a lot better (than other jobs),” he commented. “It’s something I’m familiar with. I love the unit I’m in. It’s a bunch of hard-working soldiers, and we work hard, play hard. It’s been really fun.”

Ruppe isn’t the only soldier to find team cohesion in the work he does. In the off-duty hours, U.S. Army Spc. Paul Gibbs, a native of Spanish Fork, Utah, and a carpenter with 624th, finds contentment in spending time with his fellow BOM yard workers from the unit.

“I usually go hang out with the other guys from the BOM yard,” he said. “We usually play cards, dominoes, maybe go play pool or pingpong. It’s pretty relaxing.” 

And much like the cohesive machinery that keeps the BOM yard running, the soldiers of the 624th find a mechanical cohesion all the way from the command level to the most junior enlisted.

“It (the unit) has some pretty great leaders,” said Gibbs. “I enjoy working with them and they make life pretty easy. They really look out for us.”

In the meantime, the Utah engineers will continue to organize the BOM yard, while supporting the missions of coalition forces throughout the area of operations – fully maintaining the spirit of cohesion both internally and externally.

Payson Soldier Reenlists While in Afghanistan

By 1st Lt. Stephanie Sefren, 4-1 Brigade Special Troop Battalion

See more photos here.

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan -- A member of the 624th Engineer Company, Sgt. Travis Thomas, recently reenlisted in the Utah National Guard while deployed to Paktika Provice, Afghanistan.

Thomas was sworn in by Lt. Col. Ollar, commander of the 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, taking the oath inside of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter Nov. 19.


Lieutenant Col. Ollar, left, commander of the 4-1 Brigade Special Troops Battalion, administers
 the oath of reenlistment Nov. 19 to Sgt. Travis Thomas, of Payson, right, a member of the
624th Engineers, Utah Army National Guard, currently deployed in Afghanistan. 

 Reenlisting for six years, Thomas is a 21E, heavy-equipment operator. He is currently in the 624th Vertical Construction Company and works in Paktika Province with the 2-203rd Afghan National Army Engineer Coy as the Embedded Training Team noncommissioned officer in charge.

His unit has completed numerous construction projects in Afghanistan including road repairs, the commissioning of a new Brigade operations center and multiple force-protection measures.

Thomas also leads training for the Coy and has established a maintenance program and coordinated for eight specialized classes featuring subject-matter experts throughout the area of operations in order to prepare Aghani soldiers to take the lead as engineersonce Coalition forces depart.

Utah Air Guard Airmen Return Home from Middle East Deployment

By Senior Airman Lillian Harnden

SALT LAKE CITY — Family members welcomed home 12 members of the 130th Engineering Installation Squadron as they returned from deployment at the Salt Lake City International Airport, Nov. 16.

Returning Guardmembers served a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom throughout several forward operating bases in Afghanistan.


Twelve members of the 130th Engineering Installation Squadron pose for a group

 photo as they returned from deployment at Salt Lake International Airport Nov. 16.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Harnden)

Heidi Ward, a working mother of three boys and wife of returning Guardsman Staff Sgt. Christian Ward, said she is relieved that her husband came home in time for the delivery of her fourth baby, which is due any day.

“It was harder than I thought it would be, but we’re just very proud of him and glad he is able to do his part to defend our country,” said Ward.

Tiffany Santistevan, wife of Senior Airman Dave Santistevan, expressed feeling “immediate tears and excitement” when she saw her husband coming down the stairs.

“It was so surreal,” said Tiffany. “It’s been so long that it’s hard to believe that it’s over. I am absolutely relieved and feel like I can just breathe again.”

Tiffany also had advice for military wives with husbands about to deploy.

“Just make sure you have a strong support system and stay focused on the positive,” she said. “I recommend disconnecting from the military news because it does make it hard not knowing where he’s at and not knowing when the next time is you’re going to get to talk to him.”

Tiffany’s husband, Dave Santistevan, a returning member of the 130th EIS, described what his first deployment was like.

“The experience is like being blindfolded there,” he said. “Going there, not knowing too much about it, just living everyday life, sleeping in tents and going out to forward operating bases, it’s different there—a lot of things I haven’t experienced before.”


Kenley, daughter of Master Sgt. Greg Taylor, waited to welcome home

 her dad as he returned from deployment at Salt Lake International Airport Nov. 16. 

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Harnden)

Master Sgt. Greg Taylor, a team chief with the 130th EIS who just completed his fifth deployment, explained his impressions.

“Things are what you make of it while you’re deployed,” said Taylor. “You keep busy. You stay occupied. You take whatever challenges come at you and adapt, overcome and succeed at those challenges. You learn from those challenges.”

Taylor also explained why this deployment was distinct from others.

“It was different because we were Airmen embedded with the Army,” said Taylor. “We learned how to be Army. We were working side by side, working for the Army this time.”

Additionally, Taylor provided advice to first-time-deploying Guardmembers.

“Go with a positive attitude. Stay busy,” he said. “Take the challenges head-on. Get involved and make yourself useful over there. Before you know it the time will have gone by. You’ll have bettered yourself and you’ll be on your way home.”

Brig. Gen. Dallen Atack, Assistant Adjutant General—Army of the Utah National Guard, expressed pride in returning Guardmembers.

“We’re just so proud of what they did,” said Atack. “We know they were really living in the Wild West out there. They had some real challenges on this deployment but they all came home and they all came through it. They did a tremendous job. It’s nice to have them all home and all safe.”

Commander of the 130th EIS, Lt. Col. Kevin Tobias, revealed what some of those challenges faced by his Airmen.

“They were in the thick of it a lot more than others,” said Tobias. “They were at different forward operating bases and in smaller groups. Three of our Guardsmen were under fire at one time. The Army is trying to give them combat awards for it.”

Tobias also boasted about their accomplishments while deployed.

“I’m very proud of what they’ve done,” continued Tobias. “They represented the 130th and the Air National Guard very well. There was a group of them that was Team of the Month one month. They went above and beyond. They worked really hard the whole time they were there. They left a good impression with the Army.”

As the second batch of 130th EIS members to return in the last 30 days, the 130th is now all back together as a unit, and their commander described his relief at having them all back.

“I’ll sleep better,” said Tobias. “It feels good not to have anybody in harm’s way.”

Click here for a local news story about the return of the 130th EIS.

Utah Guard Hosts 57th Annual Veterans Day Concert

By Senior Airman Lillian Harnden

Click here for photos of the concert.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah National Guard hosted the 57th annual Veterans Day concert at the University of Utah’s Jon M. Huntsman Center Nov. 10.

The event, entitled “Looking Forward,” highlighted the sacrifices made by military veterans and their families throughout the history of our nation. Special attention was given to young Airmen and Soldiers, who represent the future of our country and its defense.

“We dedicate these performances tonight, and our performances in uniform in the future, to those who have served in this uniform in the past – whose shoulders we stand upon here tonight,” said guest speaker Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard.


Major Gen. Jefferson Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard gives
the keynote address at the Utah Guard's Veterans Day concert Nov. 10.
 (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Lillian Harnden)

“To all those who are currently serving, may our hearts be drawn to those who are in harm’s way tonight,” added Burton. “May we ponder them and their families and think about them, and may they be in our prayers. We pledge that we will continue to uphold the motto of the National Guard which is, ‘Always Ready, Always There.’”

The program included performances by the Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band, led by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Denny Saunders, and a 600-voice Granite School District high school combined choir.


The 600-voice Granite School District Combined High School Choir performs 
at the 57th annual Veterans Day concert Nov. 10  at the University of Utah's
Jon M. Huntsman Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lillian Harnden) 

Dr. Carol Goodson, music specialist for the Granite School District, described her impressions of the concert and its impact on the performing choir students.

“It’s a way for our students to perform where it has more meaning,” said Goodson. “It’s an opportunity for them to learn about the military firsthand, to know what they experience and what they do for us and to develop that feeling within themselves of pride in the military.”

“Awesome!” was how Goodson described the choir.

“The thing that is most impressive about this concert is that this is the only thing we do as a whole school district, and they get to do it in a way that develops their patriotism,” she continued.

During the program, Zions Bank presented its third annual Veterans Service Award to recently retired Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, the former adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, for his lifetime of service and support of military veterans.


Zions Bank Veterans Service Award presentation, left to right, with Brian Garrett of Zions Bank,
 Retired Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, adjutant general of the
Utah National Guard, and narrator Jill Shepherd. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Stacey Berg) 

As a new addition to this year’s concert, the Utah National Guard, in partnership with the Utah Parent-Teacher Association, recognized the winners of an essay contest for children of currently serving military members. The theme of the contest was “Why I Am Proud to Be a Military Brat.”

The following elementary, middle school and high school students were selected as the contest winners and were formally recognized at the concert:

   • Brian Walker, a fifth-grader at Sage Hills Elementary in Saratoga Springs
   • Josiah Ortega, of Excelsior Preparatory Academy in Eagle Mountain
   • Madeline Buhman, a senior at Timpanogos High School in Orem


The three Utah PTA essay-contest winners were recognized at the Veterans Day
concert: Josiah Ortega, third from left; Madeline Buhman, center; and
Brian Walker, third from right. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Stacey Berg)

Americans originally celebrated Veterans Day as the anniversary of the end of World War I when major hostilities of World War I were formally ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. It was not officially titled Veterans Day until 1954 when the holiday was reestablished as a way to honor all veterans, both living and deceased, who have served throughout U.S. military history.

Chairman of the concert committee, Lt. Col. Marc Savageau, stated attendance at the annual Veterans Day concert is usually between 4,000 to 5,000 persons; however, he estimated the attendance this year to be slightly less due to heavy snowfall that day. The concert was funded by the Honorary Colonels Corps and by donations from numerous local businesses.

The concert’s master of ceremonies, Lt. Col. Hank McIntire, described the importance of honoring Veterans Day and related his favorite portion of the concert.

“We enjoy what we enjoy today because of what veterans have done for us,” said McIntire. “We do this concert to honor them. As a veteran myself, it’s nice to be remembered and be a part of that brother and sisterhood of those who served.

“One of my favorite parts of the event is the Armed Forces Medley and seeing veterans jump up, clap and sing their Service song,” McIntire continued. “That means a lot, especially seeing the older veterans, the ones in wheelchairs and walkers. Watching them try to stand up when their service song is played is very inspiring and very touching.”

Retired Utah Guardsman among Eleven Veterans Honored at University of Utah

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here for other local news coverage of this event.

SALT LAKE CITY — Eleven veterans were honored Nov. 9 in a special ceremony at the University of Utah.

Included in that group was retired Sgt. 1st Class Gordon Ewell (front row, fifth from left in the photo below),  of the Utah National Guard, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ewell fulfilled 59 combat missions in 2005-2006 as part of the a route-clearance team of Engineers trained to detect and remove improvised explosive devices.

Ewell's vehicle was hit six times by IEDs during his time in Iraq. As a result of these incidents he suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as broken vertebrae and the loss of sight in his right eye.

Here is a list of the 11 honorees for 2012:

James Hoyt Andrews
Marine Corps, Korea

Gil Booth
Army, World War II

Richard Lee Burns
Air Force, World War II, Korea

Richard S. Dixon
Army, Vietnam

Gordon L. Ewell
Army, Iraqi Freedom

Kimel P. (Kim) Fisher
Army, Vietnam

Edwin B. Herrneckar
Army, Vietnam

Charles R. Hughes
Army, World War II

Paul W. Smith
Navy, World War II

Joseph W. Stobbe
Army, Navy, World War II

Clyde E. Weeks, Jr.
Marine Corps, World War II

Utah Guardsman Honored as U of U Student Veteran of the Year

By Alexandra Burton
Originally published in the Utah Daily Chronicle

Click here for other local news coverage of this event.

Lt. Gov. Greg Bell presented the Student Veteran of the Year Award Nov. 8 to Brent Taylor, a graduate student in education and a member of the Utah Army National Guard.

“We read about people like [Taylor] in books, in fiction, but not in real life,” Bell said as he introduced Taylor during a ceremony held in the Union Ballroom.

The award, which was given last night for only the second time, recognizes full-time student veterans who have demonstrated achievements in academics, national service and within their community.

“It’s about their contributions as a whole person, not just as a veteran,” said Roger Perkins, director of the Veteran Support Center. “Most people think of veterans as a group of people, but they are very cultured … There’s a special way to walk and talk.”


Student Veteran of the Year Brent Taylor, a member of the Utah National Guard,
accepts his award Nov. 8. Taylor is working toward a masters in public administration
and a doctorate in international relations. Photo by Erin Burns.

 Taylor received a $1,000 cash award and a military coin from Zions Bank, as well as a medallion from the Veteran Support Center. His name will be engraved on a plaque in the Veteran Support Center office.

“I feel honored to have received it,” Taylor said. “It’s special to represent all the veterans at the U. I’m very proud to be a veteran. You put on the uniform and it’s a very special feeling. It’s like no other job out there.”

Taylor said he and his wife made the decision for him serve in the Army nine years ago. He served in numerous positions, beginning as a counterintelligence agent for the Utah Army National Guard in 2003. He served in three tours, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, in addition to stateside tours. His military awards include the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.

Since returning from service, Taylor serves on the city council in North Ogden. He has been involved in the political process and serves with young people in his church.

“The award is to recognize those who continue to serve outside of the military,” Perkins said.

During his acceptance speech, Taylor said that the best part of receiving the award was being recognized on the field at the football game on Saturday with his wife and kids.

“It really is a family affair, serving in the military,” he said.

Students and professors nominate veterans for the award, which a student committee narrows down to three candidates. The Veterans Day committee chooses the final recipient.

This year, 27 students were nominated for the award, two of which did not meet award qualifications and were disregarded. Perkins said that nominees must be full-time student veterans, have a GPA of at least 3.5 and have no criminal record.

Two runners up, Shane Leavitt and Rachel Evans, both graduate students, were also awarded with a cash prize.

Evans, a student in social work, specializes in working with veterans.

“It’s important to have this community,” she said. “As much as we give each other crap for our different branches in the military, it’s nice to have a group of people that get it.”

USU Leaders Sign Community Covenant in Support of Military

LOGAN, Utah — Officials from Utah State University signed a Community Covenant in support of the military during halftime of the Utah State-Texas State football game at Romney Stadium Nov. 3.

While dozens of Utah cities have signed the Community Covenant, Utah State is the first educational institution in the state--and one of the first in the U.S.--to do so.

On hand at the ceremony were Stan Albrecht, president of Utah State University; Noelle Crockett, vice president of USU extension; Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard; and recently retired and former Utah Guard adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, a Utah State alumnus and Cache Valley native.

The signing formalized an already-strong commitment on the part of Utah State University to support its student-veterans and their families.

"We're really excited for this partnership," said Albrecht. "We are are first university [in the state] to do this. Being a land-grant university, we have a presence in all 29 counties in the state. This reflects our commitment and interest in what the military does."

"We're trying to do everything we can to acknowledge [our veterans'] service by making the transition back as smooth as it can be and creating educational opportunities for them," added Albrecht. "And just as important is that the students sitting here in the stands get to see what we're doing."

The Community Covenant helps bring together the academic and military communities to more effectively recognize the contributions of student-servicemembers.

The overall goal of the Community Covenant program is to educate local leaders on the challenges that servicemembers and their families experience in all phases of deployment (before, during and after), provide them with information on programs available to help military family members and create a dialogue with the Utah National Guard and other military organizations to ensure that communities can meet the needs of servicemembers, veterans and their families.

Colonel Dallen Atack Promoted to Brigadier General

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

See images or hear audio of the event.

Colonel Dallen S. Atack was promoted to brigadier general in a ceremony Oct. 29 at the Utah National Guard’s Draper headquarters.

Atack, of Draper, enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard in 1986 with a Military Intelligence unit. He graduated from Brigham Young University and commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1988. He served as a traditional Guardsman for three years and then joined the ranks of the Utah Guard’s full-time force in 1991 as the Fire Direction Officer for First Battalion, 140th Field Artillery.

His subsequent assignments included personnel officer, targeting officer, operations officer, executive officer, company commander, commander of Recruiting and Retention Battalion, and he later served as commander of the 1-145th Field Artillery.

In 2010-2011 he deployed to the Horn of Africa (Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti) in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the operations officer for the Special Operations Command and Control Element.

Upon his return from deployment he served as Director of Human Resources for the Utah National Guard before being assigned as Assistant Adjutant General—Army, his current position. In this new post he will have responsibility for the training and readiness for more than 5,700 soldiers.

At the promotion ceremony, Atack’s father Rodney and Atack’s wife Kimber pinned on his stars. For many, the most touching moment of the event was when Atack’s father, a retired colonel who served in both the Air Force and Army, saluted his son, and then the two embraced.

“We are lucky to have Dallen as our newest brigadier general,” said Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard. “These positions [of leadership] are not jobs, they are callings. We know he is ready for this challenge.”

“Less than one-half of one percent get [promoted to general] in their careers,” Burton continued. “Dallen didn’t get here because he was a self-server. He got here because he loves soldiers and he seeks to serve them.”

Atack’s first order of business when he stepped to the microphone to give his remarks was to present bouquets of flowers to his mother, wife and daughters, “for weathering every storm the military has had to offer,” he said.

Speaking of the “horrible arithmetic” that spouses and children must calculate as their loved one in uniform is away on military assignment, Atack acknowledged that family members have the toughest job of all.

“The amount of time adds up over a career: birthdays, anniversaries, dinners at home, homework events, Scouting events, just being there,” he said. “I thank you so much for supporting me and allowing me to stay in a little bit longer.”

Atack paid tribute to the many sergeants major with whom he has worked over the years, thanking them for their mentoring and friendship. He also praised all in the room who have worn the uniform, quoting Theodore Roosevelt:

• “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood . . . . who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

“If you are in uniform today or if you have worn the uniform, you are never to be numbered among the timid souls,” said Atack. “You have each entered in the arena. I salute you.”

Utah Air National Guardmembers Return from Middle East Deployment

By Senior Airman Lillian Harnden

SALT LAKE CITY – Family members welcomed home 14 members of the 130^th Engineering Installation Squadron as they returned to Salt Lake International Airport Oct. 21 from deployment overseas.

Returning Guardmembers served a six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom throughout several Middle East countries including Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Danielle Herrscher, wife of returning Airman1^st Lt. Brian Herrscher, described how she felt when she saw her husband coming down the stairs.

“I couldn’t get to him fast enough,” she said. “I kind of wanted to bulldoze everyone over, grab him, give him a hug and a kiss and let the kids get ahold of him, too. I’m really excited and happy to have him back with our family.”



First Lt. Brian Herrscher, right, is welcomed home from
deployment to the Middle East Oct. 21 by his young daughter.
(U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Giacoletto-Stegall)

“Feels great being back home; there’s so much support here,” said Brian Herrscher after hugging his wife, kids, parents and extended family members. “The deployment was great, too, and very eye-opening. We live in such a great country. We’re doing good things over there. We’re helping people out, so it’s definitely worthwhile. It’s a sacrifice, but I feel great that I can at least do my part, help out and try to make a difference.”

John and Janene Class, parents of two Utah Air National Guardmembers (returning son Staff Sgt. Lamont Class and deployed son Airman 1^st Class Corbin Class scheduled to return in a few weeks), described their family’s pride and sacrifice.

“We couldn’t be more proud of our sons,” said Janene.

“The Guard has given both the boys a good direction,” said John.

“It’s been hard on the kids, because they are so young they don’t understand,” added Janene.

“It’s been hard on Grandpa,” said John as Janene laughed. “We’ve been helping Lamont’s wife Jill: fixing cars, working on the house, and driving back and forth between houses. We can do what we can, but we can’t take his place.”

One of the onlookers swept up into the commotion at the baggage-claim area of the terminal was David Norton, a Highland resident returning from a business trip. Norton stated he wanted to stay for the Guardsmen’s arrival because homecomings had special meaning for him after welcoming his Texan brother-in-law home last week. He witnessed his sister’s sacrifice firsthand and helped her when he could with caring for her two kids, one with special needs.

“I have a deep, newfound respect for the amazing sacrifice of military members,” said Norton. “The spouses and kids too are beyond hero status in my book. Homecomings are what America is all about.”



Major Gen. Jeff Burton, left, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard, and Brig. Gen.
Kenneth Gammon, center, greet 1st Lt. Brian Herrscher Oct. 21 following his return
 from deployment. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Giacoletto-Stegall)

Also among the crowd of family members and onlookers who greeted the returning Guardmembers were Utah’s Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell; Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton; commander of the Utah Air Guard’s 151^st Air Refueling Wing, Col. Samuel Ramsay; and commander of the 130^th Engineer Installation Squadron, Lt. Col. Kevin Tobias.

“It’s good to get them back,” said Ramsay. “Once they get over there they split them up and send them to different countries, but it’s great to get them all back together in one big team.”

Tobias explained the nature of their deployment mission and bragged about some of their accomplishments.

“Their job was building infrastructure so the warfighter can communicate,” said Tobias. “These guys were amazing. They built a 170-foot radio tower at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, but they had to use a helicopter to do it because the crane wasn’t tall enough.”

Tobias also thanked returning Guardmembers and their families for their sacrifice, stating that one Airman had to leave behind an 11-day-old baby, and another Airman had a baby arrive one week after he left.

624th Engineers in Afghanistan - Commander's Update

Guest Blogger Captain Chris Vernon, commander of the 624th Engineer Company, deployed to Afghanistan.


Captain Chris Vernon, right, briefs civilian employers at Fort Bliss,
Texas, in June 2012  as the unit prepared to deploy to Afghanistan.
(U.S. Army photo by Lt. Col. Hank McIntire)

Overall things are going very well. Currently, other than company HQ, everyone else is out on missions.

First Platoon. About two thirds of the platoon is building a new headquarters building for our Brigade. They have been on that project for about one month and still have a few weeks to go. It is a building similar those we have built for New Horizons in South America, only this building is much larger than the ones I have previously been a part of.

The walls are all up and cement poured in them. We even adapted the building to make high ceilings in the operations center section of the building. We have also had to make our own trusses to accommodate the design change. The rest of First Platoon is assisting in a FOB expansion. Their time there is pretty much done and they are supposed to be leaving the area very soon.

Second Platoon. We have had one of their squads helping us on one of our projects because we've been very busy and they have not. It was really nice to be working with them again, and they were of great assistance to us. Overall, they have been doing a great job training the Afghan engineers assigned to them.

Second Platoon (Arizona Guard). This is the horizontal platoon that has been assigned to work with us. They are a great group of Soldiers with a good work ethic and effective at what they do. They fit in really well with us. About two thirds of the platoon is in the early stages of a FOB deconstruct mission. The rest of the platoon is working on checkpoint improvements.

Third Platoon. Most of the platoon is currently working on a project building B-Huts plus some extras for the FOB they are working at. They will probably be on this mission for another few weeks. The platoon is running well and remaining a strong force.

It looks like there are enough projects in the pipeline to keep us busy with good engineer missions for the next several months, if not for the rest of deployment.

Hope all is going well back home and we appreciate all the support we have been receiving.

Utah Guard Land Component Command Gets New Commander

By Lt. Col. Hank McIntire

Click here to see more photos of the change-of-command ceremony. 

And click here for sounds of the ceremony.

CAMP WILLIAMS, Utah —The Utah National Guard conducted a change of command for its Land Component Command Oct. 13.

At the ceremony Brig. Gen. Michael R. Liechty formally transferred command by passing the unit's colors to Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton, adjutant general of the Utah Guard...

...who then handed the flag to Col. Val L. Peterson, who assumes oversight of the six Utah Army National Guard major commands to include Engineers, Special Forces, Aviation, Artillery, Military Intelligence and Troop Command units.

A change-of-responsibility ceremony for the senior enlisted leader for Land Component Command also took place in conjunction with the change of command. At that ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Stephan Vogl transferred responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Brown.

"There was never a question about what Mike Liechty was in this for; it was always for the Soldier," said Burton, adjutant general of the Utah Guard.

"We welcome you to the roller-coaster," Burton told Peterson. "You are going to be busy. You know what you're getting into and you just keep doing it."

Liechty, of Providence, had served as commander of Land Component Command since 2008. He is retiring from the Utah National Guard after 42 years of service, but will continue his full-time civilian employment with Cache County School District in North Logan, where he is deputy superintendent.

"I grew up artillery, but once I came into this position I got to know good Soldiers in all units," said Liechty in his remarks. "I have all the faith in confidence in Col. Peterson in what he will do to move this forward."

An Orem resident, Peterson is full-time vice president for finance and administration at Utah Valley University. He is also a member of the Utah State House of Representatives, District 59. In his 28-year military career he has served as a company commander, battalion commander and brigade commander.

"I appreciate your faith and confidence in me," remarked Peterson. "[General Liechty] was a very thoughtful leader. He is leaving big shoes for me to fill."

"A position like this really is about the Soldiers," continued Peterson, "and I look forward to working with the command team in moving the National Guard forward."